Last minute deportation reprieve for Filipino Fishermen 29/8/11
The UK Government has made a last minute concession to allow fishermen from the Philippines to work in the Western Isles fishing industry for a temporary period.
The overseas employees keep local prawn trawlers working as finding local crew is difficult.
But skippers faced having to tie up as Philipino fishermen were packing up to go home because their visas are running out this week.
It could have impact on jobs in processing factories if less prawns were landed.
Immigration Minister Damien Green MP has now issued a final extension to their permits allowing them to stay on for 12 months while
MP Angus MacNeil MP who led a delegation to London on the issue last week said: “I am glad that Damien Green MP saw common sense on this issue.
“His decision to extend the visas means that many domestic UK jobs will be saved as well.
“Skippers were literally days from bankruptcy and UK workers in fish processors were very close to losing their jobs so I thank Mr Green for allowing all of these people to continue work in the UK.
“It is unfortunate that his letter also states that there will be no further extensions for these fishermen who have become such an integral part of our community.
“Nonetheless, I am pleased that our fishing industry will continue to perform at a top level.”